Over the past two decades, many young Filipinos have been given a shot at stardom through talent searches and reality contests. Of those who make it, some take a step back after enjoying their peak, while others keep striving toward bigger dreams.

Singer-actor Eduard Bañez is among those of the second half — determined to keep going until he makes a name internationally. An ABS-CBN Star Magic Batch 15 discovery, he is now based mainly in the US after enjoying his share of the headlines in the Philippines.

Part of the batch of the day's respected Megan Young, Jessy Mendiola and Bela Padilla as batchmates, Bañez also became a Net25 newscaster and MTV Asia host.

His best talent, though, is his singing, proven by his rendition of Sharon Cuneta's 'Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko,' composed by Rey Valera, which has amassed 120,000 views on YouTube. He is the type of vocalist with an elevated, scarcely nasal, narrow, and smooth voice, which all together result in a terrific tone possessing a shamble of specialized mastery.

In 2015, Bañez left his career in the Philippines with his family and migrated to the US. He was quick to land steady work at a popular California theme park, Six Flags, best known for the largest rollercoasters in the world.

While a Nursing graduate from New Era University, Bañez took an opportunity to pursue Political Arts and Media History studies at the University of California in Los Angeles (UCLA). Even abroad, he continued getting good breaks and is very grateful for them.

'Education is my wealth. It is best to have a great education before pursuing a career in the entertainment industry,' Bañez — who counts Phil Lobel, a known publicist of Hollywood stars, among his friends — said.

As far as pursuing showbiz in the US, his most significant accomplishment was working with famous international singers Ed Sheeran and Justin Bieber in the music video 'I Don't Care' as backup character. In this case, at least 552 million viewers worldwide via YouTube have seen a bit of what this Filipino can bring to the table.

His next gig was on Sia's 'Chandelier' music video, which went so famously that he revealed they agreed to work on a new single for her very soon.

For himself, Bañez is working on recording a cover of Mariah Carey's 'Almost Home,' the theme song of the Disney live-animation production 'OZ The Great and Powerful.'

Before diving into these exciting projects, however, Bañez has calendared an extended homecoming to Manila, where he is raring to mount several concerts. And, if offers come his way, he would also like to accept acting stints for a teleserye or a movie that works within his stay.

As he says, 'There's no place like home,' even if he dreams of conquering the world.